Vytautas Magnus University

Guide for International Visitors

Welcome to Vytautas Magnus University!

What distinguishes Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) is our visionary approach towards organising studies, scientific research, and academic community life.

Scholars from Lithuania and abroad who participated in the reestablishment of VMU in 1989 have also defined our principles, which we have been following ever since: the commitment to foster a liberal and democratic learning environment, emphasizing the importance of aesthetics, honesty, tolerance, and independent thought. We promote these ideals while nurturing creativity, academic progress, and cultural identity within our community.

VMU is a comprehensive university devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, research, arts, and innovation, and fostering critical thinking, imaginative response as well as the desire and capacity for lifelong learning of our students who will have an impact on the world, locally and globally.

Please find more information about VMU published HERE.

All VMU departments and main contacts are published on the VMU website.

The VMU map is available HERE.

International Cooperation Department contacts can be found HERE.

Kaunas is one of Lithuania’s most beautiful and oldest cities, the fourth largest city in the Baltic States, located at the crossroads of Europe and the heart of the country.

It could be described as a city that never accepted its role as the second city in the country. It is not only a city of old traditions, but also a large centre of business and industry. During the interwar period, Kaunas was the "temporary capital" of Lithuania and developed into a modern, vibrant and dynamic cultural centre of the country.

With almost three hundred thousand inhabitants, it can also claim to be a city of young people, with over 35,000 students (the largest number in Lithuania) studying at one of the seven universities here.

What is unique about Kaunas is that contemporary business centres full of state-of-the-art technology are complemented with an inspiring layer of interwar modernism (it is protected by the European and UNESCO Heritage) spread all over the city. Here, history blends with modernity, offering an array of activities and opportunities for families, professionals and students alike.

Compact and conveniently designed, Kaunas can be explored in a couple of hours between meetings or on the way to dinner from your hotel.

For more information, please visit the KaunasIN website.

Download the city map or the city guides about Kaunas.

Lithuania is a member of the European Union (EU) and Schengen Area. Citizens of the EU countries and 30 other states, including Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia etc., can stay in the Schengen Area for a period of 90 days without a visa. Check: do you need a visa to enter Lithuania?

If you are required to obtain a visa, please contact the VMU coordinator responsible for your visit at the university. You can find more information about the visa application procedure HERE (choose the English version of the website).

Which airport are you arriving at: Vilnius Airport or Kaunas Airport? Look at the options and plan your trip accordingly.

There are four ways to reach Kaunas FROM VILNIUS AIRPORT, so you can choose which is more convenient for you:

  1. Use a bus. Arrival address: Vytauto pr. 24, Kaunas (Kaunas bus station).
  2. Use the trains (passengers need to change the train at Vilnius train station). Arrival address: M. K. Čiurlionio g. 16, Kaunas (Kaunas train station).
  3. Use the Airpot express minibus (check departure info.). Arrival address: Savanorių pr. 404B, Kaunas.
  4. Use the car-sharing service CityBee, Bolt, or SPARK.

If you arrive at KAUNAS AIRPORT, you can use three ways to reach Kaunas centre:

  1. Use public transport
  2. Take a taxi by using the Bolt app
  3. Use the car-sharing service CityBee or Bolt

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. The internal city public transport includes buses and trolleybuses, which run from 4.30 a.m. until 10.30 p.m. Download the Trafi app for real-time traffic and timetables and check for information on how to purchase travel tickets. Please note: passengers need to press the ‘STOP’ button to signal to the driver that they would like to get off at the next stop. To board a bus, make sure you are visible at the bus stop.

CYCLING. It is very convenient if you want to see our beautiful city and enjoy your visit to Kaunas. Cycling conditions have been improving in Kaunas for a few years now. You can either bring your bike or rent one to explore Kaunas. Download the CityBee app to use bikes across the city or rent one here.

SCOOTER. Currently, scooters are the most popular way in Lithuania to reach any destination at a low cost. It is very convenient because, after the ride, you can leave it almost anywhere in the city centre. Download the CityBee app to use scooters.

TAXI. Taxi prices are different, depending on the time and place at which the taxi is ordered. The average price for one kilometre is 0.70 Eur. We recommend using the Bolt app so you will be able to see the precise price of your upcoming trip.

CAR SHARING SERVICE. Whether you need a car for your meeting or just getting around town, car-sharing is a great option. Use the car-sharing service CityBee or Bolt.

Hotel options in the city centre near the main VMU campus:

Many other accommodation options can be found on Airbnb or Booking.

Dining place suggestions of different cuisines in the city centre:

  • Bernelių Smuklė (local cuisine). Address: K. Donelaičio g. 11, Kaunas
  • Piano Piano (Italian/European cuisine). Address: Laisvės al. 30, Kaunas
  • Nuogas (Asian cuisine). Address: Laivės al. 21, Kaunas
  • Mangal (Turkish/Halal cuisine). Address: Laisvės al. 25, Kaunas
  • Casa della Pasta (Italian/European cuisine). Address: Laisvės al. 27, Kaunas
  • Bistronomė (different cuisines). Address: Laisvės al. 37, Kaunas
  • Radharane (vegetarian/vegan/Ayurvedic food). Address: Laisvės al.40, Kaunas
  • Chačapuri Bistro (Sakartvelo cuisine). Address: Laivės al. 44, Kaunas
  • Višta puode (local and European cuisine). Address: S. Daukanto g. 23, Kaunas
  • Mamma Kitchen Stories (European cuisine). Address: K. Donelaičio g. 62 / V. Putvinskio g. 53, Kaunas
  • Piccola Italia (Italian cuisine). Address: Maironio g. 22, Kaunas
  • Moksha (Indian cuisine). Address: Vasario 16-osios g. 6-1, Kaunas
  • Bao Bar (Asian cuisine). Address: Vilniaus g. 13, Kaunas

Many other cosy dining places can be found in Laisvės al.

Dining places in the VMU Academy campus:

  • Jazz Pizza & Grill (Italian Food). Address: Universiteto g. 8a, Akademija, Kauno r.
  • Cafedemic (Canteen). Address: Universiteto g. 10, Akademija, Kauno r.

For a special occasion:

Lithuania is a country with some of the fastest internet in the world! There are many Free Wi-Fi areas around the city, so upon arrival to our country, you do not need to sit with your computer in hotels and conference halls.

  • At Kaunas Airport: "Free Wi-Fi Kaunas Airport"
  • In the street Laisvės al.: "Cgates free"
  • In the street Vilniaus g.: "Cgates free"
  • At Kaunas bus station: "Stotis Wi-Fi"
  • At Kaunas train station: "Link WIFI"

PLACES TO VISIT:

  • Exhibition „Vivat Universitas Vytauti Magni” (address: K. Donelaičio g. 58). The exhibition is open on workdays from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. In 2022, to mark the centenary of the University of Lithuania, a significant long-term exhibition titled „Vivat Universitas Vytauti Magni“ was inaugurated at the Rectorate Building of Vytautas Magnus University.
  • VMU Botanical Garden (address: Ž. E. Žilibero g. 6). Botanical expositions and collections, the Greenhouse, big landscape park with an interesting pond system – VMU Botanical Garden is the area for all modern forms of interactive education, cultural tourism and community use. It occupies an area of 62.5 ha close to the city centre. Take bus route No. 35 from Vytauto Avenue. Disembark at the bus stop: Vinčų g.
  • Nemunas Island Park (address:  near Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. 50). The park is located at the very heart of the city on the Nemunas River Island. This area attracts the locals and the guests of the city as a great recreational zone.
  • Science Island (address: Karaliaus Mindaugo pr. 50). Science Island is Lithuania’s first Science and Innovation Promotion Centre. With a permanent exhibition of 140 interactive installations, a state-of-the-art planetarium, emerging STEAM laboratories, and various cultural and educational activities.
  • Lithuanian Zoo (address: Radvilėnų pl. 21). In the Lithuanian zoo, you can get to know the diversity of the world’s fauna, endangered species and flora and fauna in Lithuania. Take bus route No. 37 from Donelaičio g. Disembark at the bus stop: Zoologijos sodas.
  • Pažaislis Monastery (address: T. Masiulio g. 31). Pažaislis Monastery is one of the most beautiful ensembles of Baroque style in Lithuania. Take trolleybus route No. 12 from Donelaičio g. Disembark at the bus stop: Elektros tinklai.

Many more interesting sightseeing places of Kaunas can be found HERE.

ACTIVITIES IN KAUNAS:

Check the calendar of cultural events in Kaunas. Please note that this calendar does not include all cultural events in Kaunas. The repertoires of theatres, cinemas, and concert halls are published on the venues' websites. Read about all the places of cultural events in Kaunas.

See the places of other activities in Kaunas.

LOCAL SOUVENIRS:

  • Amber Jewelry. Amber is known as “Lithuanian gold,” and many know it for its beauty in pieces of jewellery and art. It is the most popular souvenir from Lithuania.
  • Lithuanian Honey. It is a product made from Lithuanian plants like trees, meadows and uphill grasses nectar; it is rich in dissolved flavourings (essential oils), active minerals, plant-based acids and vitamins.
  • Lithuanian Mead. Lithuanian mead is one of the world's oldest alcoholic drinks. It was known much earlier than wine or beer. In 18th-century Europe, mead was largely forgotten because of the expensive honey. Mead is made of grain, honey and water.
  • Linen Products. Lithuanian Linen is a well-distinguished European Linen known for its quality and luxurious beauty. It is one of the best Lithuanian souvenirs you can buy. Whether purchasing linen napkins or sheets for the home or wardrobe staples such as linen blouses, you‘ll fall in love with the ease and elegance of this fabric.

LITHUANIAN SWEETS:

  • Apple Cheese (in Lithuanian: Obuolių sūris). Apple cheese is a traditional Lithuanian dessert, made out of boiled or cooked apples sweetened with sugar. Originally, it was made with honey, which was later replaced by sugar.
  • “Šakotis”. This many-branched dessert made from many eggs can be kept for a long time without losing its shape or flavour. It is more than a dessert - a special souvenir, thousands of which travel from Lithuania to foreign countries every year. By the way, no wedding in Lithuania can be held without this dessert.
  • „Grybukai“. These are authentic cookies, nostalgic for many Lithuanians. Their taste will remind them of gingerbread. Their appearance resembles the most valuable Lithuanian forest mushroom – boletus. “Grybukai” are covered with a sugar glaze and have a white shaft, dark brown cap, and poppy seeds on the bottom, imitating real mushrooms.

Souvenir shops in the city centre:

  • “Amatų namai”. Address: Laisvės al. 51, Kaunas
  • “Šilas” (Lithuanian sweets). Address: Laisvės al. 36, Kaunas
  • “Lino namai” (linen products). Address: Laisvės al. 40 and Laisvės al. 45, Kaunas
  • TIC “Kaunas IN” (souvenirs about Kaunas). Address: Laisvės al. 36, Kaunas
  • “Gintarinis suvenyras”. Address: Laisvės al. 50, Kaunas
  • “Suvenyrai”. Address: Laisvės al. 37, Kaunas

In case of an emergency, call the emergency number 112 OR go directly to the Emergency Department:

Note: have your passport and health insurance during the visit.

24/7 Pharmacies: BENU pharmacy, address: Savanorių pr. 66 / Žemaičių g. 31, Kaunas,Tel. +370 37 205 796

Useful information:

  • Time zone: UTC +2
  • Currency: Euro
  • Official language: Lithuanian
  • Lithuania population: 2,849,000
  • Joined the EU: 2004
  • Joined the NATO: 2004
  • Country code for phone: +370
  • Airport Code: KUN
  • Climate: European continental influenced climate with warm, dry summers and fairly severe winters.
  • Electricity: 220V, C, F sockets

Interesting facts about Lithuania:

  • Lithuanian is considered one of the oldest (dating back 5,000 years) surviving Indo-European languages
  • Lithuania ranks in the top 25% of the safest countries in the world
  • Lithuania is TOP 20th happiest country in the world
  • 1000+ start-ups are shaping a fast-growing ecosystem
  • 1st in the world in the public Wi-Fi speed

Cultural Characteristics of Lithuanians:

  • Proud of cultural and national identity. The Lithuanian language is one of the oldest living Indo-European languages, so preservation of this language is a significant aspect of Lithuanian cultural identity. Lithuanians also have a strong sense of their history, particularly their past as the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Traditional customs and festivals are important, reflecting a deep connection to Lithuanian heritage.
  • Family-oriented and hospital. Family plays a central role in Lithuanian society, with strong ties and obligations. This emphasis on familial bonds directly translates into a profound respect for elders, whose wisdom and experience are highly valued within the community. Lithuanians are renowned for their warm hospitality, generously welcoming guests into their homes and lives.
  • Hardworking and punctual. Lithuanians are often described as hardworking. These traits are shaped by a combination of the country's history and weather conditions during harsh winters. It necessitated careful planning and hard work to survive. Lithuanians value punctuality, expecting others to adhere to scheduled meeting times.
  • Love nature and outdoor activities. Lithuanians have a deep-seated attachment to nature, often regarding it as an integral part of their lives. Many people still cultivate their own produce, and the country's abundant forests and lakes serve as popular holiday destinations. Lithuanians are passionate about foraging for mushrooms or berries.
  • Lithuanian cuisine is more than just food. Lithuanian cuisine is a reflection of the country's history, culture, and connection to the land. Seasonal ingredients take center stage, dictating the rhythm of the kitchen. Potatoes, rye, barley, beets, mushrooms, berries, and dairy products are the cornerstones. Iconic Dishes: Cepelinai, Šaltibarščiai, Kugelis, Skilandis.